Kettlebells are preferred by some exercise enthusiasts over barbells and dumbbells because their shape -- the bulk of the weight is off-center -- encourages the recruitment of more stabilizer muscles, providing a more functional workout. Whatever the reasoning for your use of kettlebells, you can't train effectively if you don't know which exercises to choose. You can use kettlebells to train any muscle in your body, including your traps, or trapezius, which is located in your upper-back area. If you aren't used to working with kettlebells, begin with light weights and perform the exercises slowly.

Sumo High Pull

The sumo high pull is a kettlebell exercise that challenges your traps as well as your shoulders, glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps. Because it works many muscles, it can help you train efficiently. To perform the sumo high pull, crouch in a wide stance, holding the kettlebell with both hands as it rests on the floor. Keep your hips back but your head and shoulders up. Pull the kettlebell up to your shoulders as you stand, stopping when your legs are straight. Reverse the motion and repeat.

Bent-Over Kettlebell Row

The bent-over row is an effective exercise for your traps whether performed with a dumbbell or a barbell. Performing it with a kettlebell makes it even more effective, as you have to work extra hard to keep the kettlebells from swinging. To perform the bent-over row with kettlebells, set two kettlebells at your feet, standing with your feet about shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly and lean forward to grab the kettlebells. Lift the kettlebells off of the ground by bringing your elbows back as far as you can. Reverse the motion and repeat as desired.

Kettlebell Shrugs

According to the weight training website Exercise Goals, shrugs are an exercise that can help build "massive traps." Performing shrugs with kettlebells can be preferable to a barbell because kettlebells require each side of your body to pull its own weight, reducing the likelihood of muscle imbalances. To perform kettlebell shrugs, hold a kettlebell in each hand while standing upright. Raise your shoulders up toward your ears as far as you can without bending your arms at the elbow. Pause briefly at the top of your range of motion, then reverse it and repeat.

Reverse Kettlebell Flys

According to fitness website Home Fitness Manual, reverse flys are among the five most effective exercises for your traps. While this exercise is often performed with dumbbells, doing so with kettlebells enhances the effectiveness due to the additional stabilization your muscles will have to provide because of the kettlebells' irregular shape. To perform this exercise, lie on your chest on an incline bench. Hold a kettlebell in each hand, with your arms hanging down on either side of the bench. Lift your arms up to your sides as high as you can as if spreading your wings. Pause at the top then reverse the motion and repeat.

About the Author

Brian Willett began writing in 2005. He has been published in the "Buffalo News," the "Daytona Times" and "Natural Muscle Magazine." Willett also writes for Bloginity.com and Bodybuilding.com. He is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer and earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of North Carolina.